DogFest San Diego 2023

Canine Companions transforms the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs. Our dogs perform practical tasks that enhance independence and reduce reliance on others. They aren't just the eyes and ears, hands and legs of their human partners, they're also goodwill ambassadors and often, our best friends. A student achieves their dreams of attending college. A veteran gets a good night sleep. A patient can endure an additional procedure. Lives are transformed after being matched and working with a Canine Companions service dog.

According to the U.S. Census, nearly 1 in 4 people in the U.S. have a disability. While it costs approximately $50,000 to raise and train every Canine Companions service dog and provide ongoing support to the human-canine team, each dog is provided to the recipient completely FREE of charge. Canine Companions has placed over 7,500 service dogs, but more than 400 people with disabilities are still waiting for a match.  

Our service dogs open up new opportunities and spread incredible joy. By raising funds through DogFest, you support our mission and the people we serve. Thank you.

Canine Companions in San Diego  

• ​53 active graduates 
• 50 active puppy raisers 

When Dan Guillou was matched with his first service dog, Cinnamon, in 2008, he became a familiar face at DogFest San Diego. Dan fundraised for the event with his service dogs, Cinnamon, NARHA and now, Vanetter. Last year, Dan set a big, personal fundraising goal – enough to name a Canine Companions puppy.  

“Last year, I decided to go all in and set a goal of $15,000 to name a puppy after my second service dog, NARHA,” says Dan. “NARHA provided me with seven and a half years of service before she retired, and I wanted to name a puppy after her as a tribute.”  

Dan also joined the DogFest volunteer committee in 2022, as the food and beverage chair. He worked alongside a group of volunteers to put together a successful event that brought together the Canine Companions and San Diego communities for a day of fun.  

“Volunteering on the committee was a great experience,” notes Dan. “As a graduate, it was a fun way to get involved with the organization in a volunteer role.”  

Dan plans to continue his role on the DogFest San Diego committee this year and encourages his fellow graduates to attend, fundraise or volunteer at a local DogFest event.  

The Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) Industries, Inc. is proud to be a Man's Best Friend sponsor for DogFest San Diego. They are a leading non-profit that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families. Every year, D.A.V. Industries, Inc. assists more than 1 million veterans in life-changing ways – by providing resources, creating employment opportunities, mobilizing volunteers and advocating for veterans. 

For the local San Diego D.A.V. Industries, Inc. office, that includes partnering with Canine Companions and the work we do to provide veterans with disabilities greater self-esteem and independence by way of highly trained service dogs.